December 16, 2013

Dog Friendly Ski Trails in Lake Placid

If your dog is anything like mine he gets almost as excited as I do when the snow begins to fall.  He knows exactly when we’re going skiing and begins his uncontrollable wiggle as soon as I pull my ski boots off the closet shelf.  There is something really special about skiing with our four legged friends and luckily Lake Placid has some really great places to do it.  Keep in mind that it is always best to keep a leash handy when skiing with your dog and please extend the courtesy of cleaning up after your pet to other trail users. 

Getting a helpful pull on the way to the Lake Placid Pub and Brewery on the Jackrabbit Trail
Getting a helpful pull on the way to the Lake Placid Pub and Brewery on the Jackrabbit Trail
Surrounding Lake Placid there are some great ski trails in areas designated as Wilderness.  The Department of Environmental Conservation regulations require dogs to be leashed in these areas.  My dog and I prefer not to be leashed together while skiing.  Our preference, based on a situation involving a tangled leash and a two-legged skier running over a four-legged skier is a story better left for another time.  My furry pal and I choose trail systems that lie outside of Wilderness areas where we can ski together but maintain our own personal space as we see fit. 

John Brown’s Farm 

Access to John Brown’s Farm is free, open to the public, and is very popular amongst dog owners in all seasons.  There are many well travelled loops around the property that are well marked.  My favorite of which enters the woods on the South side of the property and immediately climbs a steep hill.  There are several intersections, but if skiers bear right at each, they will eventually end up right back where they started.  This route includes a steep descent that under the right snow conditions will put a smile on anyone’s face.

To get there from the center of town head towards the ski jumps on Rt. 73.  As you reach the intersection of Rt. 73 and Old Military Road you’ll want to turn right heading straight across Old Military Rd. and onto John Brown Rd.  The parking area is a ½ mile up on the left hand side.  There is access to the trail network on both sides of John Brown Road. 

Lake Placid can be a powder paradise for both 2 and 4-legged skiers
Lake Placid can be a powder paradise for both 2 and 4-legged skiers

Jackrabbit Trail: Steel Deck Bridge Section

The Jackrabbit Trail access from the steel deck bridge on River Rd. is also very popular amongst dog owners.  The Jackrabbit trail is maintained by the Adirondack Ski Touring Council and many small loops in this area have been created by volunteers from the Barkeater Trails Alliance.  Once on the trail you will immediately pass a kiosk with a donation box and a map indicating how to ski to the popular Lake Placid Pub and Brewery.  Please consider making a donation, which will go towards continued maintenance of the entire Jackrabbit Trail.  The trail climbs sharply very soon after the kiosk.  At the top of the hill there is a sign that reads “Algonquin” or “Flying Wasp.” You can make a left here, continue making left turns, and eventually end up back on the Jackrabbit Trail where you came up.  Skiers can also continue on the Jackrabbit into the Lake Placid Club and Resort Property. 

To get to the steel deck bridge head out of town on Rt. 73 and make a left onto Riverside Drive (also referred to as River Rd.).  The bridge is about a 2 miles down on the left side.  Park your car adjacent to the steel deck bridge.  Walk across the bridge and look for red Jackrabbit Trail signs. 

Dogs and Skiers enjoying the beauty of the Jackrabbit Trail
Dogs and Skiers enjoying the beauty of the Jackrabbit Trail

 Peninsula Trails

The Brewster Peninsula Trails are a very popular cross country ski destination for lake placid locals and visitors alike.  It’s easy to find your way around, dogs can roam freely, and there are some seriously beautiful views of Lake Placid to be found.  For the most moderate terrain skiers should use the Peninsula Way access and ski to the dam by making a left turn at the first intersection followed by a right turn at the next.  Skiers seeking more rolling terrain should use the access at Howard Johnson’s Parking Lot and seek out either the ridge trail or the Lakeshore Trail.  Be advised, the Lakeshore trail requires quite a bit of snow to be skiable. 

To get there head West on Saranac Avenue.  On the right hand side, right before Howard Johnson’s there is a steep road identified as Peninsula way.  The parking area will be on your left a short distance off the main road.  A yellow gate easily identifies trail access.  For more exciting terrain park at Jackrabbit Trail access behind the Howard Johnson’s Restaurant. 

While there are many other dog friendly areas in and around town these three are my favorites.  They are easy to find, easy to make your way around, and welcome 4-legged skiers off-leash.  For more ideas stop into any one of the Lake Placid’s great local ski shops. 

Getting a helpful pull on the way to the Lake Placid Pub and Brewery on the Jackrabbit Trail
Getting a helpful pull on the way to the Lake Placid Pub and Brewery on the Jackrabbit Trail
Lake Placid can be a powder paradise for both 2 and 4-legged skiers
Lake Placid can be a powder paradise for both 2 and 4-legged skiers
Dogs and Skiers enjoying the beauty of the Jackrabbit Trail
Dogs and Skiers enjoying the beauty of the Jackrabbit Trail

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